The introduction Abby Johnson made on the Capitol steps in Austin Jan. 25 seemed somewhat strange, even by her own admission. An eight-year veteran of a Planned Parenthood clinic who rose through the ranks to become its director, Johnson welcomed Claire Coldwell to the podium. Once a world apart on the issue of life for the unborn, these two have established a strong bond.

Thousands upon thousands of pro-lifers from across the Metroplex, Texas, and the nation came together during various marches in January to commemorate the 56 million lives lost to abortion since it became legal 42 years ago, and to pray for an end to abortion.

Saturday, Jan. 10 found St. Rita’s Catholic Church in East Fort Worth ringing with strains of freedom and hope as people from around the diocese gathered to remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bishop Michael Olson presided over the Memorial Mass which has been celebrated annually in the Diocese of Fort Worth since 1986, the year Dr. King’s birthday was first observed as a national holiday.